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Everything you need to know about Icon Painting workshop
Marriott Kremlin Hotel is a top choice, located just 1.5 km from the Icon Painting Workshop with excellent access via metro or taxi. The hotel blends Russian architectural elegance with modern luxury, featuring premium bedding and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral. Guests can join curated Orthodox art tours hosted by the hotel, providing immersive insight into traditional religious iconography. Within walking distance are historic landmarks, cozy cafés, and artisan boutiques—perfect for slowing down and absorbing Moscow’s rich cultural atmosphere.
After the workshop, walk to Red Square in just 10 minutes—passing by the vibrant St. Basil’s Cathedral, a must-photograph landmark. Take the metro to Red Square Station or bus 216 for quick access to the Kremlin entrance. Consider HopeGoo a guided tour at the Kremlin Museum to delve into Orthodox art history and imperial heritage. For a peaceful break, stroll along the Moskva River Embankment, lined with Renaissance-style architecture, sculptures, and quiet benches ideal for sketching or reflection.
Yes, Moscow Children’s Museum (3 km away) offers interactive exhibits where kids can create mini icons and learn about Byzantine symbolism in a playful setting. The Tretiakov Gallery’s Children’s Zone features engaging, educational tours combining animation and hands-on art-making to teach children about religious iconography. In the evening, visit the Moskva River Embankment Art Market, where families can browse handmade icons and souvenirs while enjoying live folk music and street performances—ideal for shared cultural discovery.
Bring watercolor brushes, gesso boards or parchment paper, and a palette for mixing colors. While some workshops provide kits, bringing your own materials ensures personalization. Wear dark-colored clothing to avoid paint stains and use a smock for protection. If interested in Orthodox traditions, familiarize yourself with basic icon veneration etiquette to respect the sacred environment. Most sessions include free tea and Russian pastries, offering a taste of local hospitality and tradition.
Stay at Hyatt Moscow, located just a 10-minute walk from the Icon Painting Workshop. This hotel blends traditional Russian architecture with modern elegance, featuring rooms adorned with iconographic motifs inspired by Orthodox Christian art. Its convenient location offers free shuttle service to central Moscow, making it ideal for cultural explorers. Wake up to panoramic views of the Dormition Cathedral bathed in morning light, creating a serene atmosphere that enhances your artistic journey into Russian spiritual heritage.
After the workshop, stroll 15 minutes to Red Square or The Kremlin—both within walking distance. Along the way, visit the vibrant St. Basil’s Cathedral, renowned for its kaleidoscopic domes and iconic silhouette perfect for photography. For convenience, take the metro to Red Square Station, then transfer to the light rail at Kremlin Station, a 5-minute ride. Nearby, discover local art markets selling hand-painted icons, natural mineral pigments, and traditional religious artifacts—ideal souvenirs to preserve your immersive experience in Russian sacred art.
The Icon Painting Workshop offers an immersive experience guided by seasoned Orthodox artists who teach traditional techniques using natural mineral pigments and gold leaf, replicating styles from the 17th century. Participants learn step-by-step: wood panel preparation, sketching, gilding, and layered coloring, while gaining insight into symbolic meanings—blue for divinity, gold for divine light. Upon completion, attendees receive a certified diploma and complimentary access to the partner museum’s permanent exhibition, deepening understanding of icons’ spiritual and cultural significance in Russian history.
See what other travelers say about Icon Painting workshop
The hotel is super easy to find, and the lobby has such a unique vibe right from the moment you walk in. The room was spacious and spotless, and having a small balcony with such stunning views made the stay even more special—sitting out there watching the city lights come on was pure magic. The only thing that could be improved is the bathroom layout: there’s no separate shower area, so you have to step in and out of the bathtub to shower, which can make the floor slippery and messy. It would be great if they added a dedicated shower stall. Still, overall, the experience was excellent—the location, comfort, and attention to detail really stand out. Definitely a place I’d recommend and return to.
The Ozerkovskaya Hotel is absolutely fantastic! Located just a short walk from the metro, it’s super convenient for getting around Moscow. The room was clean, spacious, and very comfortable—especially the bed, which made for a restful night’s sleep. Noise insulation is excellent, so you won’t be disturbed by outside sounds. The staff were friendly and efficient throughout our stay, making check-in and check-out smooth and stress-free. What really stood out was the great value for money—this place offers so much more than expected at this price point. I’d definitely stay here again and recommend it to anyone visiting Moscow.
I can't recommend this hotel at all—our experience was extremely disappointing and deeply unsettling. While the location is convenient, just a short metro ride away, the service was appalling. The front desk staff was rude and dismissive, with no regard for basic customer respect. Later, a manager named Sergey reached out, claiming he wanted to understand the situation—but his real goal seemed to be persuading us to delete our negative review. He even tried to shift blame onto me, suggesting I was at fault for the incident. When we explained that we had to cancel due to a family member’s sudden heart attack—well in advance (12 days prior), and with full prepayment for four nights—he insisted the rate was non-refundable and that our circumstances didn’t matter. He cited a message stating, 'By choosing a non-refundable rate, you accept all risks—you’ll never get your money back, even if something serious happens.' We sent medical documentation, flight tickets, and booking details as proof of the emergency, but he still refused to refund us, saying the evidence wasn’t sufficient. This contradicts Russian consumer protection laws: when services aren’t provided due to unforeseen circumstances, refunds are legally required. There was zero empathy, no understanding, and no humanity in their response. Instead, they offered a voucher in exchange for deleting our feedback—like we were the ones who caused the problem. This kind of behavior feels predatory. We’re now preparing to file a police report and take legal action for fraudulent practices. Please, avoid this hotel. Don’t let them profit from your trust. Choose a place with integrity, compassion, and transparency instead.
The location was excellent—just a short walk from the exhibition venue, making everything super convenient. We arrived to find the hotel temporarily closed due to unforeseen circumstances, but the staff handled it professionally and swiftly. They arranged a driver to transfer us to a partner property with no hassle, ensuring we had a smooth check-in. Despite the unexpected situation, the team’s responsiveness and customer care were outstanding. The alternative hotel was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. Overall, the experience exceeded expectations given the circumstances. Great communication, strong problem-solving, and genuine hospitality make this a standout stay in Moscow.
Staying at National Hotel in Moscow was an absolute highlight of my trip. The location is unbeatable—right across from Red Square, with the metro Line 1 exit just steps away. Everything about the hotel felt well-organized and clean. Housekeeping was excellent—towels, shampoo, and all amenities were replaced daily, and always fresh. It’s clear they take pride in their service. However, I do have one strong warning: avoid Room 154 at all costs. When I entered, I was immediately hit by a strong sewer-like smell. I called the front desk right away and requested a room change—thankfully, they accommodated me without delay. If you’re assigned this room, don’t hesitate to ask for another one. Other rooms are clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. Overall, the hotel offers great value, exceptional convenience, and top-tier cleanliness. Just steer clear of that one room!
Located in the heart of Moscow, Ostozhenka 47 Mini-Hotel offers a compact but clean and cozy stay. The room is small, but perfectly functional—especially with the soft, comfortable bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. Daily water refills are provided, and there’s a mini-fridge by the bedside, which comes in handy for keeping drinks cool. The front desk staff, an elderly lady, was incredibly friendly and helpful—her warm demeanor really added to the overall experience. One thing to note: there’s no laundry machine on-site, so guests needing to wash clothes will need to plan accordingly. While the location makes it slightly less value-for-money compared to other options outside the city center, the convenience, cleanliness, and personal touch make up for it. If you’re looking for a quiet, well-maintained urban retreat with easy access to metro lines and nearby attractions, this mini-hotel is a solid choice. Great for short stays or travelers who prioritize comfort and service over space.
Staying at Cosmos Smart Dubininskaya Hotel was a pleasant experience overall. The bed was comfortable, and the room had reliable heating—perfect for the colder months. Its location is excellent, just a short distance from the city center, making it easy to explore Moscow on foot or by metro. Breakfast was simple but satisfying, offering enough variety to start the day right. The front desk staff were exceptionally helpful and patient, always ready to assist with any questions or requests. The hotel’s quality matches that of mid-range chains like Home Inn or HanTing back home, but with better value for money. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for comfort, convenience, and affordability in a central spot—definitely worth considering for future visits.
I’ve stayed here twice already, and each visit gets better! The location is fantastic—just one metro stop from the city center, and it’s only a 9-minute walk to Belorusskaya Station. I love how close everything is: right next to the Depot food hall, with a nice little park nearby, and you can even walk to the Moscow Zoo. The room itself is clean and cozy, though the shower area is a bit small and there’s no shelf at all—definitely could use a little more storage space. Still, the convenience, comfort, and overall value make it worth it. I’d definitely come back and recommend it to anyone visiting Moscow.
The biggest advantage of this hotel is definitely its location—there’s simply no better alternative for us. We’ve been staying here since 2018, but in recent visits, we’ve noticed a clear decline in both quality and service. This time, we requested early check-in (9:00 AM) and late check-out (19:00 the next day), totaling just 1.5 nights, though we booked two full nights (Saturday to Monday). Arriving earlier than expected, we asked the front desk if we could check in early, explaining that we wouldn’t be staying overnight on Sunday or Monday—so we were only paying for actual time used. In past stays, similar arrangements cost us half a day each way. But this time, the staff said policies had changed: checking in before 11:00 AM would require a full day’s charge, and leaving after 6:00 PM also meant a full-day fee. That meant being charged for three days—even though we’d only be using the room for 1.5 nights. With no other option, we paid up and checked in. However, the house rules posted in the room state that late check-out until midnight is only 50% of the room rate—directly contradicting what the front desk told us. It’s confusing and frustrating, especially as regular guests who expected some flexibility. The room quality itself was disappointing too. Towels were stained, worn through, and looked more like rags than proper hotel linens—definitely not fit for a 4-star property. The bathrobe was in the same sorry state. The bathroom was visibly dirty. All of this left a very negative impression. After years of loyalty, we’re now seriously considering switching to another hotel once we find a better option. We won’t come back unless things improve significantly.
Staying at this hotel in Moscow was a pleasant surprise. Just a 2-kilometer walk from Red Square—about 30 minutes on foot—makes for a nice, leisurely stroll through local neighborhoods with a real sense of the city. The location is convenient, with plenty of nearby restaurants and easy access to public transit. What really stands out is the incredible value for money. The room quality, comfort, and overall experience are far beyond what you'd expect at this price point. It’s rare to find such a well-balanced mix of location, comfort, and affordability. I’d definitely stay here again and recommend it to anyone visiting Moscow.
Staying at Hotel Bilibin Garden Moskva was a great experience overall. The staff were friendly and helpful—especially the young lady who assisted with arranging a taxi, which made getting around the city so much easier. While the room is on the smaller side, the location more than makes up for it: it’s perfectly situated near major attractions and just a short walk from public transit. The bed is modest in size, nothing like what you’d find in some larger hotels back home, but still comfortable for a good night’s sleep. One big plus? The heating system works well—very welcome during Moscow’s colder months. For travelers looking for convenience, comfort, and a cozy atmosphere without breaking the bank, this hotel delivers. I’d definitely stay here again.
I stayed at Hotel Continental when it first opened 15 years ago, and returning now, everything is still top-notch! The hairdryer in the room is absolutely amazing—lightweight yet incredibly powerful. I didn’t expect such strong airflow from something so compact. It made getting ready so much easier. The hotel maintains its charm and excellent service over the years, which is rare these days. Located just minutes from the city center via metro, it’s both convenient and well-priced. If I ever return to Moscow, this will be my go-to choice again. Highly recommend for anyone visiting!
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